World Cup 2014 preview and predictions

It’s finally here people. Ever since Spain dispatched Holland four years ago in Johannesburg, the anticipation has been building for this moment. The start of World Cup 2014 in Brazil. So without further ado, below is my complete 32 team preview. All facts are taken from matches during the qualification stages. Enjoy!

 

GROUP A

BRAZIL

Tremendous support, Tremendous pressure.

Captain: Thiago Silva
Star Man: Neymar
One to Watch: Bernard

Host nation Brazil are most people’s favourites seen as, well they are Brazil, the tournament is in their country and they have an 11 year home unbeaten record. To add to this, they also won the Confederations Cup last year for a third time in a row.

Led by Thiago Silva who has been a stalwart for club and country and holds the team together on the defensive side. Neymar has had an indifferent season with Barca but a World Cup at home could just ignite his considerable talents. Bernard is a player I have admired for a short while and this could just be the platform to introduce his talents to the world providing he gets games. If not, they do have the likes of Hulk, Oscar, Dani Alves, Willian, Fernandinho and Fred to call upon. Not bad.

Good Fact: Ranked 3rd for scoring 2 or more goals. 
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for conceding goals from outside the box.

Prediction: Third

CAMEROON

A known unknown.

Captain: Samuel Eto’o
Star Man: Samuel Eto’o
One to Watch: Stephane Mbia

An unpredictable Cameroon side eased into the World Cup by winning four from six games to top their qualifying group. They then drew with Tunisia 0-0 away and trounced them at home 4-1 in the final play off. Led by the veteran Eto’o, they have an interesting mix of young and experienced players in the squad. They also have the youngest player at the tournament, recently turned 19-year-old striker Olinga.

They will rely heavily on their defensive unit and ability to stifle teams in midfield then hope to strike on the counter attack to snatch a lead. Failing that, they will try to use their stamina to wear teams down and win games late on. Seville’s’ Mbia had a great season and is coming into this tournament playing the best football of his life, which he hopes will continue. Makoon, Matip and Webo are other notables in the squad.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for points from winning positions.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for scoring more than one goal.

Prediction: Group Stages

CROATIA

From novices to being noticed.

Captain: Darijo Srna
Star Man: Luka Modric
One to Watch: Ivan Rakitic

After ending their group second to Belgium, they were handed a favourable play off draw with Iceland, drawing away 0-0 then comfortably winning at home 2-0. Croatia have participated in four out of the five World Cups since they were formed. In the last two years they’ve had three former defenders as managers, Slavan Bilic, Igor Stimac now Niko Kovac.

Turmoil adverted, they are captained by another defensive legend Srna, who is also their most capped player. They have some top talent in midfield led by Champions League winner Modric but equally backed up by Rakitic who seems to be coming into his peak. They are high on creativity and love to play a patient passing game that feed ammunition to the likes of Mandzukic, Eduardo and Jelavic.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for goals conceded in the last 15 minutes.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for scoring 3 or more goals.

Prediction: Second Round

MEXICO

Experienced in no expectations.

Captain: Rafael Marquez
Star Man: Javier Hernandez
One to Watch: Giovani dos Santos

To qualify for their seventh straight World Cup (barring 1990 when they were banned). Mexico had a typically arduous by unusually difficult journey. After winning six from six in their first qualifying group. They finished fourth behind USA, Costa Rica and Honduras in the final qualifying group and needed a last-minute, final day goal from USA Vs Panama to sneak into the play offs where they beat New Zealand 5-1 at home and 4-2 away.

Skippered by former Barca player Marquez, they have the one of the most experienced defence with 3 players including Marquez capped over 100 times.. Their midfield could be the most inexperience in Brazil with Aquino’s 21 caps the most. They will rely on the goals of Hernandez and Peralta and the ingenuity and flair of Dos Santos who usually saves his best football for Mexico’s high-octane, fast paced playing style.

Good Fact: Ranked 4th for goals scored in the final 15 minutes.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for points from losing positions.

Prediction: Group Stages

 

GROUP B

AUSTRALIA

How do you say, making up the numbers.

Captain: Mile Jedinak
Star Man; Tim Cahill
One to Watch: Adam Taggart

Australia came through a relatively easy first group winning five from six games. They then qualified second, 4 points behind Japan for their third straight World Cup appearance. They come into the tournament with only a handful of experienced players such as captain Jedinak and vice captain Cahill.

The pair will be looked upon to drive the team forward and hopefully create some kind of upset with their awkward, disjointed style of play. Recently turned 21, Taggert is a young striker with huge potential. He has notched 3 goals from 4 games already for the Aussies and has been earmark as the next big thing to be imported to Europe from down under.

Good Fact: Ranked 2nd for goals scored in the final 15 minutes.
Bad Fact: Ranked 28th for clean sheets.

Prediction: Group Stages

CHILE 

Dawn of a new era maybe.

Captain: Claudio Bravo
Star Man: Alexis Sanchez
One to Watch: Arturo Vidal

Chile finished in an impressive third place, only two points behind Colombia and four behind Argentina to qualify for the World Cup for a second straight time. Last time they did that was in 1966. These are exciting times for Chile with players such as Barca’s Sanchez, Juve duo Vidal and Isla, Valencia’s Vargas and Basel’s Diaz.

Led by their goalkeeper Bravo, he sits behind a highly attacking and attractive team who like to play football and go forward at every opportunity. Sanchez has been a key component with his goals but so has Vidal who is a highly underrated footballer and for me has been one of world football’s most consistent performers in recent seasons. If all players are on song, they could really cause an upset.

Good Fact: Ranked 5th for goals conceded from set pieces.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for conceding 2 or more goals.

Prediction: Second Round

NETHERLANDS

A far-fetched fourth final.

Captain: Robin van Persie
Star Man: Wesley Sneijder
One to Watch: Klass-Jan Huntelaar

Holland stormed their qualifying group finishing nine points ahead of second placed Romania (joint widest margin) with nine wins and one draw. Led by Van Persie who was the joint top scorer in the World Cup qualification with 11 goals, he’s coming into Brazil fresh from being on the sidelines in the later part of the season. He will be supplied by the likes of Robben and Sneijder in particular, with their typical brand of total football.

They will obviously be the main men in midfield but the likes of Wijnaldum, Fer, de Guzman and Blind will hope to make a name for themselves. Speaking of which, Huntelaar has been a very consistent striker who’s often demonstrated his exceptional goal scoring abilities without really taking it to that elite level. Now 30 years old, this could be his last opportunity to really do it on a big stage.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for scoring 2 goals or more.
Bad Fact: Ranked 30th for conceding from outside box.

Prediction: Group Stages

SPAIN 

Anyone for a quadruple.

Captain: Iker Casillas
Star Man: Andres Iniesta
One to Watch: Diego Costa

Spain became the first World Cup holders to have to go through the qualification stages and were harshly paired with France in their group. After winning in France, they qualified top of the group by 3 points. All eyes will be on them to see if they can really do a double, double in major international tournaments. Skippered by Champions League winner and 150 odd capped goalkeeper Casillas, he will lead a team full of top class footballers trying to make more history.

The only silver lining for their opponents is the likes of Iniesta, Xavi, Xavi Alonso, Torres and Villa are in their 30’s. The downside is Pedro, Mata, Fabregas, Silva, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Cazorla and Ramos are all under 30. In addition, now back in the country of his birth, Diego Costa, who had a tremendous season with Atletico will be chomping at the bit to make up for his Champions League disappointment.

Good Fact: Ranked 3rd for clean sheets.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for goals scored from outside the box.

Prediction: Runner Up

 

GROUP C

COLOMBIA 

Time to banish the memories.

Captain: Mario Yepes
Star Man: James Rodriguez
One to Watch: Jackson Martinez

Colombia are one of my dark horses of the tournament. Having not qualified since 1998, they impressively finished second in the South American region only two points behind Argentina, with the best defensive record and held Argentina to a 0-0 draw in Argentina. Although their chances have been considerably hindered with the loss of star man Falcoa. This puts more pressure on Jackson Martinez to fill his boots but he does have the talent.

He will however, be supported by the considerable talents of midfield maestro Rodriguez, who drives the team forward from midfield and is the Colombian golden child destined to be a star. In addition, they also have Porto player Quintero, Fiorentina man Cuardrado and Inter player Guarin in a very talented midfield led by 38-year-old veteran defender Yepes.

Good Fact: Ranked 5th for goals created from set pieces.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for goals scored from headers.

Prediction: Second Round

GREECE 

Remember the golden year of 04.

Captain: Giorgos Karagounis
Star Man: Kostas Mitroglou
One to Watch: Vasilis Torosidis

This is only the second time Greece have qualified for the World Cup. They were the only team to qualify with the same points as the top team (Bosnia, 25 points) but had an inferior goal difference and went into the play offs against Romania, winning at home 3-1 then drawing 1-1 away. In the group stages they did not concede a home goal, only conceded four away, three of them in one game in Bosnia. Greece have the fifth oldest squad at the World Cup finals.

They will obviously try to rely on their defensive strength and disciplined style of play. Although now they do have a genuine individual star in Mitroglou who they have high hopes for. 37-year-old skipper Karagounis will also be a key component to their style of play as will Roma defender Torosidis. Strong at the back, he’s known as a scoring defender which will be important in set pieces to try and snatch the odd important and vital goal.

Good Fact: Ranked 2nd for clean sheets.
Bad Fact: Ranked 30th for scoring 2 or more goals.

Prediction: Group Stages

IVORY COAST 

Can Elephants roar. 

Captain: Didier Drogba
Star Man: Yaya Toure
One to Watch: Yaya Toure

The Ivory Coast cruised through their qualifying group with four wins and two draws. They then had to negotiate a tricky looking play off game against Senegal, which they won 3-1 at home and drew 1-1 away to reach the world cup for a third time in their history and third in a row.

Drogba will obviously be the man up top but he is not exactly the player he was and will need the considerable presence, and all around brilliance of Yaya Toure who’s fresh off a superb season with Man City. They play with a lot of pace and power and usually try to use that strength to overwhelm or overpower teams. Along with the two stars, key to that style of play are the likes of Gervinho, Kalou, Tiote, Bony, Zokora and young defender Aurier who has caught the eye of many European teams.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for scoring in the first 15 minutes.
Bad Fact: Ranked 28th for goals conceded from wide.

Predictions: Second round

JAPAN

What’s Cinderella story in Japanese.

Captain: Makoto Hasebe
Star Man: Keisuke Honda
One to Watch: Shinji Okazaki

Japan were the first team to actually qualify for the World Cup. They finished second, six points behind Uzbekistan in their first, four team group. Then went on to finish top, four points ahead of Australia in their final, five team group. They had not been to a World Cup until they qualified in 1998, they have now been to all four since.

Honda will be the key man and the driving force for the team, creating chances from midfield and an all around important cog. Kagawa is also a key player along with captain Hasebe making it a competent threesome in midfield. Defenders Nagatomo and Yoshida are also vital to their passing game. Okazaki, topped the scoring charts in the final group stages and his experience is very useful the Japan’s possession football.

Good Fact: Ranked 5th for points from winning position.
Bad Fact: Ranked 29th for scoring 2 or more goals.

Prediction: Group Stages

 

GROUP D

COSTA RICA

Mission Impossible.

Captain: Bryan Ruiz
Star Man: Bryan Ruiz
One to Watch: Joel Campbell

Costa Rica have qualified for their third World Cup in the last four. They finished second, eight points behind Mexico in their first group. Stepped it up in the final group of six teams again finishing second, this time four points behind USA and seven ahead of Mexico. In their final group they won all five games at home but non away so travelling may be an issue.

They usually are a well-drilled, passing outfit who try to stay compact and disciplined at the back. Former Fulham man Ruiz has become an unlikely talisman for his country and has really excelled in leading the team. Campbell demonstrated in the Champions League against Man Utd the kind of potential he has and will hope to produce something similar on the biggest stage of them all.

Good Fact: Ranked 2nd for goals scored in the last 15 minutes.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for games scored in.

Prediction: Group Stages

ENGLAND 

Today’s future, Tomorrows stars.

Captain: Steven Gerrard
Star Man: Wayne Rooney
One to Watch: Ross Barkley

England came through their qualifying group a point ahead of Ukraine. They were unbeaten, scoring the third most and conceded the joint second least in Europe. In what is mostly likely his last major tournament, Gerrard will lead the team, pinging the ball about from his new deeper role. England have an exciting blend of young and old players but will still look to Rooney to be their man for the big occasion and break his World Cup finals scoring duck.

Lampard, another at his last tournament will try to banish the ghost goal of four years ago. In terms of youngsters, Barkley looks exciting and the closest to Gazza England has ever produced. If that isn’t enough, they have young and exciting talents of Sterling, Sturridge, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshire and second youngest at the World Cup, Luke Shaw. England are a classic middle of the road team. Can play possession but can go long. Can surprise a few but can easily have a disaster.

Good Fact: Ranked 4th for scoring 3 goals or more
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for conceding from corners.

Prediction: Quarter Finals

ITALY 

Slow and steady wins the race.

Captain: Gianluigi Buffon
Star Man: Mario Balotelli
One to Watch: Lorenzo Insigne

Perennial slow starters and the competitions second most successful nation, Italy qualified from their group unbeaten, six points ahead of Denmark. Italy seem to be in a bit of a rebuilding stage to phase out the old hero’s of 2006 but still play that disciplined, organised style with the odd individuals sprinkled around.

Speaking of which, a lot will depend on Balotelli’s form off and on the pitch, although he does seem a bit more mature now. Insigne seems to be their young star in the making. He had a break out season with Napoli and could be the next Italian golden boy. He does have ready-made role models alongside him such as the influential Pirlo, still going strong at 35 and De Rossi. Led by goalkeeper Buffon, Italy will as usual build on a strong defence so the likes Chiellini, Abate and Bonucci will be key.

Good Fact: Ranked 2nd for goals scored from headers.
Bad Fact: Ranked 29th for conceding from outside the box.

Prediction: Group Stages

URUGUAY 

The unexpected is expected.

Captain: Diego Lugana
Star Man: Luis Suarez
One to Watch: Abel Heernandez

Uruguay had a difficult passage into the finals. They finished fifth in their group and had to go through a play off where they destroyed Jordan 5-0 away and surprisingly drew 0-0 at home. Uruguay come to the World Cup with the third oldest squad at the finals and are Led by 33-year-old defender Lugana. Their prospects could well depend on how fit Suarez is. He was the joint top scorer in World Cup qualification with 11 goals.

This is because Forlan is 35, plying his trade in Japan and Cavani had an indifferent season often flattering to deceive. Then again, you could say Suarez had the short rest he needs, Forlan is in his last tournament and will give his all and Cavani has something to prove. Also key will be how much work their midfield can provide in support. They do have another ace up their sleeve in forward Hernandez. Young, strong, quick, skillful with an eye for goal. He has all the attributes to make a name for himself in Brazil.

Good Fact: Ranked 3rd for goals scored from set pieces.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for clean sheets.

Predictions: Quarter Finals

 

GROUP E

ECUADOR 

Do it for Chucho.

Captain: Antonio Valencia
Star Man: Antonio Valencia
One to Watch: Renato Ibarra

On their way to finishing fourth, Ecuador were one of three teams along with Argentina and Uruguay to remain unbeaten at home in their group. Impressively, this is the third in the last four World Cup’s they have qualified for. Led by Manchester United man Valencia, he has carried the team for sometime but has had help from fellow midfielders Castillo and Montero, also exciting winger Ibarra who could just spring a few surprises.

They will however, miss their star striker Christian Benitez who tragically passed away due to heart failure in July 2013. They will hope striker Caicedo can raise his game. Ecuador like to play a disciplined, passing game with the bit of strength, grit and tough tacking which in the heat of Brazil could be ingredients for potential banana skin opponents.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for goals scored from headers.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32 for scoring more than 1 goal.

Prediction: Group Stages

FRANCE 

No pain, no gain. 

Captain: Hugo Lloris
Star Man: Franck Ribery
One to Watch: Paul Pogba

In the last four World Cups France read Champions, Groups Stages, Runner Up, Group stages. So they could be going far this time around. They qualified the hard way in a group with holders Spain, finishing three points behind in second. Then had a tricky play off against Ukraine, losing 2-0 away then miraculously winning 3-0 at home. They’re led by keeper Lloris, who likes to drive the team on from this sweeper, keeper role.

The last-minute loss of star man Ribery will be a bitter blow and will pile more pressure on Benzema to perform. They have the experience of Evra and Sagna at the back combined with the youth of Varane and Sakho. Up top Remy and Giroud will have to play their parts. In midfield, along with the talented Cabaye, they have Pogba who even at 21 could be very important. He’s someone I think has all the attributes to become a world-class footballer.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for point from winning positions.
Bad Fact: Ranked 30th for goals scored in the first 15 minutes.

Prediction: Quarter Finals

HONDURAS 

There maybe trouble ahead.

Captain: Noel Valladares
Star Man: Jerry Bengtson
One to Watch: Andy Najar

This is Honduras’ second World Cup in a row and only their third in history. Unfortunately, they are yet to win a game at the finals. They topped their first, four team group, level on points with Panama. They then qualified by finishing third in the their second, six team group, four points ahead of 4th place Mexico. Led by 37-year-old keeper Valladares, Honduras have the second oldest squad at the finals. They have a few known players such as Figueroa, Palacios, Espinoza and Izaguirre.

Striker Bengston topped their scoring with nine goals. He’s a temperamental character who had several bust ups with the manager, left the team but came back just in time to score vital goals. In his absence, striker Costly did hold the fort. Young winger Najar has turned a few heads with his trickery and exciting play, something that is needed as Honduras are more of an industrious, defensive and hard-working outfit.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for goals conceded from corners.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for games scored in.

Prediction: Group Stages

SWITZERLAND 

When is an era golden. 

Captain: Gokhan Inler
Star Man: Xherdan Shaqiri
One to Watch: Granit Xhaka

Qualified top, seven points from Iceland in what I thought was a ridiculously easy group it’s hard to gauge just where Switzerland are. Making it to their third World Cup in a row, they could be dark horses and come into the finals with the fourth youngest squad. Captained by the experienced and tough tackling Inler, all their strength are in the midfield.

Bayern Munich man Shaqiri is undoubtedly the star and will drive the team on dictating play and creating chances. Not that far behind though is emerging talent Xhaka who plays that mature, disciplined and intelligent deep role, almost NFL quarter back like. Switzerland are a surprisingly good passing team, with good organisation who rely on their talents in the midfield to keep the ball, create chances and win them games.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for clean sheets.
Bad Fact: Ranked 29th for goals conceded in the last 15 minutes.

Prediction: Second Round

 

GROUP F

ARGENTINA 

The time is now.

Captain: Lionel Messi
Star Man: Lionel Messi
One to Watch: Angel di Maria

Having not been past the quarter finals since 1990. Argentina qualified from their group top, 2 points from Colombia, the best goal difference and look like they mean business. They have a front line to envy. With Messi, Aguero and Higuain all in their prime at 26. Along with two experienced and talented strikers Lavezzi (29) and Palacio (32). Argentina come to Brazil with the oldest squad at the World Cup.

They will obviously score goals but it’s the other end that could be key. Demichellis ended the season well but did show how vulnerable he could be. They do have Rojo, Fernandez and Zabaleta who can balance out any defensive issues. With Mascherano shielding, the link in between is Di Maria. For me another highly underrated player who this past season played a huge role in Real Madrid’s Champions League winning team of stars.

Prediction: Winners

BOSNIA 

From bloodshed to Brazil.

Captain: Emir Spahic
Star Man: Eden Dzeko
One to Watch: Miralem Pjanic

Bosnia have made an impressive rise since 2000. After losing in the play offs in the last two major tournaments to Portugal. They just avoided it this time by finishing top, by goal difference from Greece after ending the group with identical records. Dzeko finished second top scorer in Europe and fresh off winning the league in England will be their main man.

He will form a formidable striker partnership with Ibisevic who was joint third top scorer. It’s so formidable they didn’t bring any other strikers. This leaves more room for midfielders and Bosnia have a few I have been impressed with such as Lulic and Hajrovic but Pjanic is the man who pulls the stings. He can pick out a pass or beat players to create chances and most of what Bosnia do well comes through him.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for conceding more than one goal.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for goals scored in the first 15 minutes.

Prediction: Second Round

IRAN 

Football, life, perspective.

Captain: Javad Nekounam
Star Man: Javad Nekounam
One to Watch: Ashkan Dejagah

Iran had probably the longest journey into these finals. Started by beating Maldives 4-0 home and 1-0 away. Then finished top of a four team group by two points from Qatar. Following that, impressively finished top again in their five team group two points ahead of Uzbekistan and South Korea to qualify. Led by the 140 capped scoring midfielder Nekounam, he finished third top scorer in the Asian region and literally carries the team.

Although capped late in his career, Fulham player Dejagah has emerged as a real star and has taken the pressure off the skipper with his performances and goals. He has also been helped by Dutch born Charlton striker Ghoochannejhad, who has an impressive record in his short career. Iran are managed by ex Portugal and Man Utd man Carlos Queiroz who tries to make his team play in an efficient European style ala a very poor mans Italy.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for goals from set pieces.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for goals conceded from set pieces.

Prediction: Group Stages

NIGERIA 

Out with the old in with the new

Captain: Vincent Enyeama
Star Man: John Obi Mikel
One to Watch: Ahmed Musa

Relatively untested, the Nigerians strolled into their second finals in a row and fourth in the last five. They topped their four team group, 5 points from Malawi. Then beat Ethiopia 2-1 away and 2-0 at home to qualify. They have done well to be in the midst of rebuilding and still qualified for the finals. They have the third youngest squad at the finals and used more players than any other team in the qualifiers.

Led by goalkeeper Enyeama, he stands behind defenders Yobo, Ambrose and Echiejile who will be important to their style of play and success. Nigeria are now a disciplined, strong, defensive unit but have striker Emenike who works well in that system and has been a reliable goal threat. Looking to the future, Musa is a real skilful and exciting prospect, earmarked as a possible, future star.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for goals scored in the final 15 minutes
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for goals conceded from outside the box.

Prediction: Group Stages

 

GROUP G

GERMANY

It’s what you expected.

Captain: Philipp Lahm
Star Man: Bastian Schweinsteiger
One to Watch: Mario Gotze

Germany have failed to make the semi final’s only four times in the last fifteen World Cups. They were Europe’s top scorers (36) topping their group by eight points from Sweden and was one draw away from a 100% record. Led by versatile defender Lahm, they probably have the most star-studded midfield at the finals. With Schweisteiger pulling the strings and Ozil orchestrating, they can call on any of the new young stars such as, Draxler, Kroos and Schurrle to play a possible starring role.

Gotze looks the most accomplished, his vision, technique, passing, skill and all around play belies his age but he will miss his partner in crime Rues. If that wasn’t scary enough add big game player Muller also Khedira, Podolski, defenders Boatang and Hummels. Last but not least, the vastly experience and World Cups joint second top scorer in history Klose.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for scoring three or more goals.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32 for scoring goals from set pieces.

Prediction: Fourth

GHANA 

We go again.

Captain: Asamoah Gyan
Star Man: Asamoah Gyan
One to Watch: Kevin-Prince Boateng

Ghana were impressive in qualifying for their third finals in a row. They topped their four team group by four points from Zambia with five wins and one defeat. In what looked a difficult play off, they destroyed Egypt 6-1 at home before losing 2-1 away. Gyan is the skipper and the main man in a side that has reached the second round, then quarter finals in their last two tournaments. Ghana have the youngest squad at the finals.

They are not the same, free-flowing, all action type team of four years ago. But are now a powerful, strong, efficient and solid unit. Although aging, the likes of Essien and Muntari help that new style, along with the formidable presence of Asamoah. To compliment them they have the Ayew brothers and exciting winger Atsu. Sandwiched between is Kevin-Prince Boatang who has both the passion and ability, but the short fuse to have everyone on the edge of their seats.

Good Fact: Ranked 2nd for goals created from free kicks.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for points from losing positions.

Prediction: Second Round

PORTUGAL

One man and his gang.

Captain: Cristiano Ronaldo
Star Man: Cristiano Ronaldo
One to Watch: Joao Moutinho

Ronaldo….I mean Portugal, had an indifferent run to the World Cup. They finished second and a point behind Russia despite only losing one game and had to play a tricky play off against Sweden. Where Portugal…I mean Ronaldo, showed his class, scoring all the goals in a 1-0 home and a 3-2 away win. This is their fourth World Cup in a row but in their previous four appearances between 1986 and 2010, only in 2006 did they win more than one game. Portugal have the fourth oldest squad at the finals.

With all hopes resting on Ronaldo’s shoulders, Moutinho will hope to add his passing ability and tempo dictating play to compliment Ronaldo’s dominance. They play a mixture of explosive direct football and slow, precise passing. Ronaldo will hope the likes of Nani, Almeida, Meireles, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao and Postiga can pull their weight….And give him a breather.

Good Fact: Ranked first for goals from corners.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for goals scored from outside the box.

Prediction: Group Stages

USA 

No stars, no stripes.

Captain: Clint Dempsey
Star Man: Clint Dempsey
One to Watch: John Brooks

This is USA’s seventh appearance in a row. They qualified by topping their four team group, three points from Jamaica and Guatemala. Then topped their six team group, four points ahead of Costa Rica. Led by Dempsey, he will spear head an attack and style of play heavily influenced by the amount of players with European experience, with some help from Altidore so expect a lot of long searching balls, hustle and bustle and heart.

Young defender Brooks is a mammoth 6ft 4in towering player who could be very vital in set pieces at both ends of the pitch. To add to him, young winger Julian Green, who was born in Florida but played for Germany’s youth teams and is on Bayern Munich’s books could well be that young star to hopefully lead USA’s future football revolution.

Good Fact: Ranked 2nd for goals scored in the 6 yard box.
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for points won from winning positions.

Prediction: Group Stages

GROUP H

ALGERIA 

Identity overhaul.

Captain: Madjid Bougherra
Star Man: Sofiane Feghouli
One to Watch: Saphir Taider

Algeria have qualified for their second finals in a row and fourth in history. They strolled through their four team group, topping it by seven points from Mali. In the play offs they lost 3-2 away at Burkina Faso then won at home 1-0 to sneak through on away goals. Captained by defender Bougherra they are a more European than African type team and build on a good defensive unit with very technical footballers in midfield such as Feghouli who is central to most things they do well.

Taider is typical of Algeria’s renaissance in recent times. Born in France who he represented at under 18’s and 20’s, but opted to represent Algeria. He brings flair and excitement and occasionally can produce the unexpected. He’s not alone in that category, striker Slimani, defender Ghoulam and Spurs midfielder Bentaleb are also exciting prospects.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for goals created from long balls
Bad Fact: Ranked 31st for goals conceded from the wings.

Prediction: Group Stages

BELGIUM 

10 years in the making.

Captain: Vincent Kompany
Star Man: Eden Hazard
One to Watch: Romelu Lukaku

Belgium seem to be everyone’s dark horses. 2002 was their last appearance and the last of their six tournament run, before missing out in the last two World Cups. They topped their group unbeaten, nine points ahead of Croatia the joint largest margin in qualification. Kompany is their very capable leader, hoping to guide a team full of potential with the likes Courtois, Vertonghen, Vermaelan, Fellaini, Defour, Dembele, Mirallas, De Bruyne and Janazaj.

Belgium have the second youngest squad at the World Cup and in Hazard they have one of the brightest young talents in world football. After losing Benteke, Lukaku’s role has become even more important, still only 21 he’s matured into an already influential striker and Belgium’s direct style of football suits him perfectly where goals are inevitable.

Good Fact: Ranked 1st for conceding more than one goal.
Bad Fact: Ranked 32nd for conceding goals from the wings.

Prediction: Quarter Finals

RUSSIA 

Breaking new ground.

Captain: Igor Denisov
Star Man: Alexsandr Kershakov
One to Watch: Alan Dzagoev

This is only Russia’s third appearance at the finals, their first since 2002 and they are yet to get out of the group stages. They qualified by topping their group a point ahead of Portugal, in a typical efficient and disciplined campaign you come to expect from a Fabio Capello team. Captained by no-nonsense midfielder Denisov he’s both the hard man and the glue that links all components in the team.

Kershakov has grown a reputation for scoring important or vital goals and his experience has been invaluable to the team. Speaking of which, Dzagoev seems to have been around for ages but is still only 23. He showed in Euro2012 what he is capable of before he ran out of steam. Two years on, he has more experience and could light up this tournament.

Good Stat: Ranked 1st for conceding two or more goals
Bad Stat: Ranked 32nd for conceding goals from headers.

Prediction: Quarter Finals

SOUTH KOREA 

Regardless, the legacy continues.

Captain: Lee Chung-Yong
Star Man: Park Chu-Young
One to Watch: Son Heung Min

South Korea qualified by topping their four team group, three points ahead of Lebanon. They then went on to finish second in their five team group, two points behind Iran, level on points with Uzbekistan but with a better goal difference. They’re Asia’s most successful nation in the World Cup and have now qualified four times in a row. Led by all action midfielder Lee, he typifies their energetic style of play.

Park has been the most prolific striker to come along in years and they will hope he produces the same type of form that saw him sign for Arsenal three years ago. Son has been a revelation in the Bundesliga in a short time. Still only 21, he’s a two footed, exciting, direct forward who can play down the sides or through the middle. South Korea also have the likes of Ji Dong-Won, Ki Sung-Yueng and Koo Ja-Cheol who could be key contributors.

Good Stat: Ranked 2nd for goals created from long balls.
Bad Stat: Ranked 32nd for goals conceded in the final 15 minutes.

Prediction: Group Stages